The Best New Dark Lipstick Shades—And How to Make Them Last

As fall’s first chill sweeps in, now is an opportune time to stash summer’s pink lipsticks and switch to something a bit moodier. Leading the charge are Olivia Palermo, whose noirish pout was spotted outside the Dior show in Paris this morning, and Poppy Delevingne, whose similarly dark plum last week in London, set against her signature platinum hair, proves the instant transformative power of a bold lip choice. But before you dive into your Bordeaux and navy tubes, heed the rules set forth by celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee, who counts Kate Mara and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley among her clients.

First, exfoliate with a light scrub, like Fresh’s Sugar Polish, since some formulas tend to dehydrate lips.  Next, Lee recommends concealing the undereye area or any visible red spots on the skin, as they may distract from the true color of the lipstick. “A deep blue red will naturally pull blue tones from the complexion,” she explains. “And keep the face neutral,” Lee adds, suggesting a light foundation and a swirl of rosy blush to the apple of the cheeks to even out skin tone.

While luminescent powder can provide skin with a natural glow, Lee recommends a soft bronzer instead. “Avoid heavy contouring or highlighting,” she adds, explaining that shadows can create a gaunt and unflattering effect. And rather than defining the brows with pencils, “focus on the fullness of your natural shape by brushing on a tinted gel.” Last but not least, “skip the lip liner,” she says, emphatically. “A very defined line is quite dated.” Instead, Lee pats the crest of the lip with a translucent powder to blur the edges.

Lee names Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet in Audace as her favorite color of the moment: “[It’s] the perfect non-specific combination of dark brown and purple.” When choosing the right shade however, experimentation is key. “Dark lipsticks are made up of several undertones that will enhance different elements in your complexion,” she explains—making them a flattering option for day or night.

Here, eight ways to switch over to the dark side this fall.

 

 

 

 

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